Rokiah Mahmud
The role of Malay language and religious institutions can be categorised as formal and non-formal. Formally, the Malay language is taught at all religious institutions and is a compulsory subject, while Jawi writing is also a core subject. Meanwhile, Malay language is also taught in non-formal contexts such as through competitions, religious talks, forums and sermons.
This was shared at the Language and Literature Bureau’s (DBP) 23rd International Malay Language, Literature and Culture Congress Series (KABSBM) that was telecast via Facebook Live and Zoom on Wednesday.
Keynote speaker, Ra’es of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar discussed the topic ‘Institusi Agama Dalam Perkembangan Bahasa, Sastera dan Budaya Melayu di Negara Brunei Darussalam’ (‘Religious Institution in the Development of Malay Language, Literature and Culture in Brunei Darussalam’).
The congress was chaired by Acting Director of Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Haji Mohd Abdoh bin Haji Damit. Some 147 participants took part in the virtual congress including Permanent Secretary (Strategy and Policy Management) at the MCYS Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassam; Acting Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah; DBP Acting Director Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab; DBP Acting Deputy Director Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak; local and international presenters; DBP’s strategic partners, senior government officers, as well as local and international language, literature and culture enthusiasts.
Themed ‘Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa’, the congress is supported by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), KUPU SB, Brunei Youth Council, Asterawani and Putra Seni Group.
The congress ended with a presentation of resolution delivered by the DBP’s Acting Deputy Director as the Secretary for KABSBM and closing remarks by the DBP’s Acting Director.
The acting director shared that the utilisation of the digital platform served as an effective and strategic approach in the community for Malay language, literature and cultural knowledge.
He added that KABSBM is a medium to disseminate knowledge that could strengthen efforts towards upholding Malay language and accelerate the nation’s development.
